In the beginning of 2015, we made six “Human Resource Resolutions” to increase employee engagement, build stronger teams, celebrate everyone, work on event participation and planning, recruit top talent, and reduce employee turnover. If you missed it, we took a deep-dive into what matters in key areas to jumpstart your new year in the workplace from an HR standpoint. Time flies! Now that we’re already a week in to 2016, it’s likely that you’ve made some resolutions for this year, too! And, if you haven’t, we’d encourage the resolutions above, or a simpler, broader, resolution: a Recognition Resolution!

Year over year, we hear about companies who struggle to build excitement around and raise participation in their recognition programs. What a shame, right? To spend so much time, effort, and money to plan activities and initiatives only to have them go bust? It’s always the intention for them to be successful, and it’s certainly not for lack of determination on the part of the planners if they flop. So, what’s going wrong?

When we surveyed our customers, one of the biggest challenges they faced was getting employees to participate in their programs and attend their events. Why? Perhaps the structure of the program or the approach of the event didn’t resonate with their employees! It’s not easy to admit, but it very well could be the cold, hard truth.

When it comes to any initiative, whether it’s a singular occasion or a broad program, if you don’t garner input from your team on their tastes and preferences, it’s unlikely you’ll have the success you hope to achieve.

Weddings, wedding, weddings! There must be love potion in the water at the ‘Ville, as it seems everyone is tying the knot lately. Last month, Alan was getting ready for his wedding, and just recently Lisa recited her vows. In the last couple of months, members of our sales suite and IDville did, too.

Lisa, who is our Client Services Manager for hi5, happens to sit right near me, so I got to hear all the updates about her nuptials—and how the Imagine the Possibilities™ card she got for her Baudville anniversary was a part of it all! Here’s her story:

I have to say, I am having the best time curating this series on my colleagues’ Imagine the Possibilities™  Card purchases! As much as I love to shop, it’s almost as fun to do it vicariously—especially when it’s for one of my favorite indulgences! This month, I’m featuring Amber, who’s been at the ‘Ville since 2012. Here’s her story…